The Indian Panorama

Month: September 2014

  • Somdev loses to Murray; Bopanna- Qureshi also crash out

    Somdev loses to Murray; Bopanna- Qureshi also crash out

    SHENZHEN (TIP): Somdev Devvarman put up a spirited fight but Andy Murray proved too good for the Indian, who bowed out of the ATP Shenzen Open with a straight-set defeat against World No. 11, on September 25. Somdev fought his heart out against two-time Grand Slam winner but ended up with a 3-6 3-6 defeat in the second round, which lasted an hour and 21 minutes. The first six games were tight and went with serve. In the seventh game, Somdev was down 0-40 facing three chances of service break. The Indian saved the first two, second with an ace, but Murray latched on to the third, grabbing a slender 4-3 lead. The Scott consolidated with an easy hold in the next and broke Somdev in the ninth to pocket the set in 37 minutes as the world number 11 reeled off three straight games. Murray stepped on the gas in the second set, making Somdev struggle for points from the beginning.

    Somdev had a chance to hold in the second game but Murray did not let him and opened up a 2-0 lead by breaking the Indian at first available opportunity. Somdev though broke back when Murray double faulted to hand the Indian three break chances. Somdev converted third chance to make it back on serve. Somdev fought hard to hold serve and had the scores level in the second set. The Indian was doing everything to make it a contest. After holding his own, Murray got the break back in the sixth game and dented the Indian’s chance with another easy holding the seventh, shooting to a comfortable 5-2 lead. Somdev had a break chance in that game but Murray thwarted the Indian. From there it was easy for Murray to move to the next round. Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-haq Qureshi lost their doubles quarterfinal early in the day. The third seeds lost 4-6 6-7(4) to unseeded combo of Santiago Giraldo from Colombia and Michael Venus from New Zealand.

  • NAVARATRI AND DUSSEHRA

    NAVARATRI AND DUSSEHRA

    Every year during the lunar month of Ashwin or Kartik (September-October), Hindus observe ten days of ceremonies, rituals, fasts and feasts in honor of the supreme mother goddess. It begins with the fast of “Navaratri”, and ends with the festivities of “Dussehra” and “Vijayadashami.”

    Goddess Durga

    This festival is devoted solely to the Mother Goddess — known variously as Durga, Bhavani, Amba, Chandika, Gauri, Parvati, Mahishasuramardini — and her other manifestations. The name “Durga” means “inaccessible”, and she is the personification of the active side of the divine “shakti” energy of Lord Shiva . In fact, she represents the furious powers of all the male gods, and is the ferocious protector of the righteous, and destroyer of the evil. Durga is usually portrayed as riding a lion, and carrying weapons in her many arms.

    A Universal Festival

    All Hindus celebrate this festival at the same time in different ways in different parts of India as well as around the world. In the northern part of the country, the first nine days of this festival, called Navaratri, is commonly observed as a time for rigorous fast, followed by celebrations on the tenth day. In western India, throughout the nine days, both men and women participate in a special kind of dance around an object of worship. In the south, Dusshera or the tenth day is celebrated with a lot of fanfare. In the east, people go crazy over Durga Puja, from the seventh till the tenth day of this annual festival. Although, the universal nature of the festival is often found to transcend regional influences and local culture, the Garba Dance of Gujarat, Ramlila of Varanasi, Dusshera of Mysore, and Durga Puja of Bengal need special mention.

    Durga Puja

    In eastern India, especially in Bengal, the Durga Puja is the principal festival during Navaratri. It is celebrated with gaiety and devotion through public ceremonies of “Sarbojanin Puja” or community worship. Huge decorative temporary structures called “pandals” are constructed to house these grand prayer services, followed by mass feeding, and cultural functions. The earthen icons of Goddess Durga, accompanied by those of Lakshmi , Saraswati , Ganesha and Kartikya, are taken out on the tenth day in a triumphal procession to the nearby river, where they are ceremonially immersed. Bengali ladies give an emotioncharged send-off to Durga amidst ululations and drumbeats. This marks the end of the goddess’ brief visit to the earth. As Durga leaves for Mount Kailash, the abode of her husband Shiva, it’s time for “Bijoya” or Vijayadashami, when people visit each other’s homes, hug each other and exchange sweets.

    The Garba & Dandia Dance

    People in western India, especially in Gujarat, spend the nine nights of Navaratri ( nava = nine; ratri = night) in song, dance and merriment. Garba is a graceful form of dance, wherein women dressed in exquisitely embroidered choli, ghagra and bandhani dupattas , dance gracefully in circles around a pot containing a lamp. The word “Garba” or “Garbha” means “womb”, and in this context the lamp in the pot, symbolically represent life within a womb. Besides the Garba is the “Dandia” dance, in which men and women participate in pairs with small, decorated bamboo sticks called dandias in their hands. At the end of these dandias are tied tiny bells called ghungroos that make a jingling sound when the sticks hit one another. The dance has a complex rhythm. The dancers begin with a slow tempo, and go into frenzied movements, in such a manner that each person in a circle not only performs a solo dance with his own sticks, but also strikes his partner’s dandias in style!

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    Dussehra & Ramlila

    Dussehra, as the name suggests occurs on the “tenth” day following the Navratri. It is a festival to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and marks the defeat and death of the demon king Ravana in the epic Ramayana . Huge effigies of Ravana are burnt amidst the bangs and booms of firecrackers. In northern India, especially in Varanasi, Dusshera overlaps with “Ramlila” or “Rama Drama” – traditional plays in which scenes from the epic saga of the mythical Rama-Ravana strife are enacted by professional troupes. The Dussehra celebration of Mysore in southern India is a veritable extravaganza! Chamundi, a form of Durga, is the family deity of the Maharaja of Mysore. It’s a wonderful scene to watch the grand procession of elephants, horses and courtiers wending a circuitous way to the hilltop temple of Goddess Chamundi!

  • Now, digital eye to study their breeding behaviour of vanishing floricans

    Now, digital eye to study their breeding behaviour of vanishing floricans

    (TIP) Madhya Pradesh forest department has taken up digital route to protect critically endangered Lesser Florican birds. It has installed solar powered cameras at Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary to record round the clock movement of the birds for the next four months.

    The first of its kind exercise will help the department to study the breeding behaviour of the bird and prepare a plan for their habitat development. Lesser Floricans are one of four critically endangered bird species in India and one of the 50 rarest birds of the world. Locally known as Likh and Kharmore, they migrate to Madhya Pradesh every year for breeding. Environmentalists the world over are expressing concerns over the continuous decline in the number of the birds.

    The number of the birds migrating to the state too has come down by 26% this season compared to the previous year. Chief conservator of forest (CCF) P C Dubey said that till date, no scientific documentation of breeding behaviour of the birds is done.

    “It will be the first in-camera study of the birds during which a systematic study of their breeding behaviour including egg laying, hatching, duration for which the hatchlings stay here and the last migratory flight of birds etc will be done,” he said. The study will focus on little-known behaviour of the female birds. “It is believed that the male birds fly back early in October while females stay here till November- December.

    They fly back when the hatchlings grow big enough to fly. However, there is no documental proof of this behaviour. Based on the findings of the study, we will chalk out plans including restriction of human movement inside the sanctuary, to protect the habitat,” said Dubey. Ornithologist Ajay Gadikar, who is associated with the study, said two high definition (HD) cameras with zoom and other features have been already installed.

    “The study will offer detailed knowledge about diet of the birds, frequency of their jumps and behaviour of the female birds which is a mystery,” he added.

  • BEAUTY SECRETS OF COCONUT OIL

    BEAUTY SECRETS OF COCONUT OIL

    Ever wondered how these Hollywood beauties always look so stunning? Age and motherhood simply doesn’t seem to affect them at all. Madonna is over fifty, has delivered two kids and still continues to give every twenty-five year old model a run for her money. The secret lies in coconut which has been easily accessible to us but we never really learnt its multiple beauty benefits. Coconut is a nature’s gift which is packed with the “Magical Laurites”.
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    Use it as a foundation primer

    All you make up addicts will agree that a perfect make up is never complete without a primer. Did you know coconut oil works as the perfect primer for a foundation? Simply dab some on your face, let it soak in and then apply your tinted moisturizer or foundation. You will notice how much smoother and longer your makeup stays on. You can also dab some coconut oil on your cheekbone to highlight them and you are sure to sparkle!

    Lovely locks that you can flaunt

    Using coconut oil regularly not only enhances the beauty of your hair, but also keeps them ultra- soft & smooth. It also constantly repairs damage and protects them from the polluted environment. The magical Laurites gives your hair everything it needs. It binds the hair proteins and holds them giving you stronger, shinier and healthier hair. It also helps reduce frizz and repairs split ends faster and works wonders for your hair.

    Your skin will love it too

    If you love your skin, then you know that moisturizing is the key. Coconut Oil is a natural moisturizer which keeps your skin hydrated and protects from pollution and the changing weather. Use of coconut cleanses and neutralizes the toxins, which not only detoxifies but also builds the skin’s natural immune system. Even Gwyneth Paltrow claims to regularly use coconut oil to moisturize her skin after a shower.
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    Oil Pulling for that clear and luminous skin

    Swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes a day will help to detoxify your body, cure headaches, avoid acidity and whiten the teeth. ‘Oil pulling is an age-old tradition in India that cleanses your system from within. Hollywood diva, Angelina Jolie has been known to start her day with little more than a spoonful of coconut oil and a handful of cereal to keep that glowing and younger looking skin. Now you know why she still looks so fabulous with every passing year

    Apply for a Silky Smooth Shaving Cream

    Who said shaving cream has to lather? Use coconut oil as a base to get a closer shave that leaves your skin smooth and supple instead of leaving your skin dry, patchy and a lot of times with bruises too.

    Make a Body Scrub

    If you are a DIY (Do It Yourself) experimentalist, then coconut oil is a vanity essential for your kit! Here’s what you can do to get that luminous skin – Mix half a cup of coconut oil with granulated sugar and apply the concoction for exfoliation. You will notice the magical glow on your skin immediately and you are all set for a special evening with your boyfriend.

    Also doubles up as a Makeup Remover

    Even the most resistant waterproof mascara does not stand a chance against coconut oil. Apply it directly to the face as an oil cleanser or let it sit on your skin with a cotton pad. Your makeup is sure to melt away. The ‘Magical Laurites’ lifts the dirt and bacteria from deep within the skin leaving it feeling fresh. This is a trick you can even share with your BFFs.

    Rub some coconut oil for Softening Cuticles

    Have you ever wondered why your grandmother still continues to rub few drops of coconut oil on her palms and hands before she goes to bed. If you wash your hands often or your cuticles just need a little extra tender care, apply coconut oil to your fingers twice daily to keep them soft, supple and nourished. You can make out the difference in just a few days.

    Dab it as Under-Eye Cream

    Don’t want to spend and experiment with plethora of under eye creams and serums present in the market? Apply some coconut oil enriched with vitamin E and packed with to cure the under-eye bags and fine lines. It’s light enough for the most delicate skin on your face. Coconut oil is packed with antioxidants that helps fade and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Women whose skin is sensitive to creams and serums should definitely use coconut oil.

  • SUPERFOODS THAT CUT BELLY FAT

    SUPERFOODS THAT CUT BELLY FAT

    Battling stubborn belly fat? Try the following superfoods to Cut belly fat and inflammation.

    Green tea

    This mild beverage is great for helping shrink your waistline as well as for decreasing inflammation. The flavonoids in this tea have natural anti-inflammatory properties. And the compound EGCG in green tea has been shown to help reduce body fat.

    Foods rich in Omega-3

    Research has shown that a diet with a high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids and a low percentage of omega-6 fatty acids has been linked with decreased inflammation. Food sources of omega3s include walnuts, flaxseed, and fish, such as wild Alaskan salmon.

    Garlic

    Consume garlic as a natural antibiotic and blood sugar regulator. By controlling blood sugar and insulin level, your body can maximize fat burning for energy, resulting in reduced belly fat. Garlic is also a thermogenic that boosts metabolism.

    Mint

    Add one tablespoon honey, a pinch of pepper, and some crushed mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Let it to steep for five minutes. Strain and drink the liquid to get a flat tummy. Mint soothes the abdomen while honey and pepper dissolve the fat and boost metabolism.

    Cinnamon

    Cinnamon works as a great fat burner. Take ½ tablespoon of cinnamon powder and steep it in water for five minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of honey after straining the cinnamon water. Drink this before breakfast and before going to bed.

    Watermelon

    Watermelon contains 82 per cent water, which helps your stomach not to crave for food. Watermelon is rich in vitamin C, which is beneficial for health. It is one of the healthiest foods to have if you are planning to go on a healthy diet. It is also a good mid-day snack.

    Apple

    Eating apple regularly can help in fighting many diseases and it can also help in reducing the fat from your belly. Apple helps your stomach to feel full because it contains potassium and many vitamins. So, eat an apple in breakfast to get the desired tummy size.

    Bananas

    Like apples, bananas are also rich in potassium and contain multivitamins. They are filling and help you to resist the cravings for fast food. Moreover, banana boosts the metabolic rate, thereby melting the belly fat.

  • NOW BEAT INSOMNIA

    NOW BEAT INSOMNIA

    Sleep disorder, disturbed sleep pattern and insomnia are some of the most common sleep-related issues that folks deal with today. Blame it on a hurried lifestyle or on exhausting work patterns, but the fact is, many of us are faced with a lack of sound sleep and lead their lives groggy-eyed. Here are five simple ways by which you can beat stress and have a restful night…

    Sweat it out

    “To ensure good sleep, it’s important that you tire your body out,” says sleep specialist Mohammad Hasin, “Exercising four hours before your sleep time is advisable. However, don’t wear yourself out. Keep the exercise pattern light. Opt for running, either outdoors or on a treadmill, cycling or a brisk walk. Weights and squats are best reserved for the mornings. When you exercise, you use up your energy. And when you are spent, sleep doesn’t evade you anymore.” Agreeing with him is gym instructor Meghna Raju. She says, “I’ve advised my clients to go for a jog in the evening, just before their dinner. This way, they feel relaxed and are also too tired to sit up in the night or indulge in other activities.”

    Refrain from these

    Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine have to be avoided during bedtime. Sleep therapist and a hypnotist, Tanusha Banerjee says, “Remember how you survived on cups of coffees during the nights when you crammed for your exam? Caffeine is a stimulant, and it can make us alert by temporarily blocking certain sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain. It also increases adrenaline production. So, avoid having anything caffeine in the night time.” He adds, “Wine is relaxing and soothes your nerves; it goes well with your dinner. But, the alcohol content in it breaks down after a few hours and you end up compromising on your sleep quality. Again, stop smoking altogether, as it’s bad for health. If not, at least avoid it before bedtime.”

    Music to the ears

    Why do mothers sing lullabies to put their children to sleep? That’s because good music is associated with deep slumber, and several studies have proven that in the recent past as well. Says musicologist Vishal Chandra, “Good music blocks out other senses, thereby putting your mind in a state of rest. Listening to soothing tunes when you hit the sack is a good way to ensure long, undisturbed sleep. In fact, there are certain ragas, like the Neelambari, in Carnatic and Hindustani classical that are said to make for a good listen during bedtime. Albums comprising chants, notes and songs that are sleep-inducing are a good buy.”

    Count sheep

    Yes, counting helps. The old wives’ tale about counting sheep putting you to sleep is actually true. Studies have proved that cracking equations, solving math problems, counting numbers in your head slowly and backwards, or rattling out names of things in a particular category put you to sleep much quicker. Says Hasin, “Such complicated tasks force your brain to work and you soon tire out. But, a better way is the ‘relaxing imagery’ method, where you focus on relaxing visuals, even if it is that of a sheep jumping the fence! This way, you focus on pleasant things rather than the cause of your stress or worry, thereby helping you sleep better.”

    The sleep psychology

    Heard of the pink elephant dilemma? “You can’t not but think of a pink elephant when you are asked not to think about it. Same is the case with insomnia and sleep disorder as well. Don’t think you are going to be sleep-deprived for the rest of the night and this actually doubles your chance of sleeping well that night,” explains Banerjee.

    Tips for a restful night
    Stick to a routine, and if you can, hit the sack at the same time every night.
    Rise early to sleep well in the night. Avoid afternoon naps and sleep overdose during weekends.
    Try sleeping in a dark, noise-free room with a comfortable temperature.
    Take a warm bath 30 minutes before bedtime. Follow it up with a warm glass of milk or water.
    To fall asleep quickly, focus on a point/object in the room and be overcome by slumber.
    If problem persists, consult a doctor.

  • COAL BLOCK CANCELLATION WILL AFFECT GDP GROWTH ADVERSELY, INDIA RATINGS SAYS

    COAL BLOCK CANCELLATION WILL AFFECT GDP GROWTH ADVERSELY, INDIA RATINGS SAYS

    COIMBATORE (TIP): The Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to cancel all but four coal blocks allocated since 1993 could adversely affect the nascent economic recovery, India Ratings and Research has said. The impact of this ruling will be felt across various channels and lead to a rise in nonperforming assets of the banking sector, an increase in the cost of coal and in turn a rise in power tariffs, the agency said.

    This would also put pressure on current account/currency as coal would have to be imported at higher costs. “Besides impacting economic recovery, this could also pose challenges for macroeconomic stability. While the ruling will have a direct impact on corporates with allocated coal blocks, the tremors will be felt on state governments as well,” India Ratings said.

    The SC ruling on coal blocks is similar to its earlier ruling of cancellation of 2G licences in February 2012, the agency said. “While the SC ruling may help in cleaning the rot and could pave the way forward for a transparent system of selling natural resources, it will have an immediate effect on a number of stakeholders and also the overall economy,” it said. Though there would be some windfall gain for the Central Government in the current fiscal from the additional levy imposed, the finances of six state governments would be affected by this ruling. “West Bengal is likely to be the worst affected, as six operating coal blocks allocated to various state government companies have been cancelled,” India Ratings stated.

    “These companies’ accounts are not consolidated with the state’s balance sheet,” it said. However, in case of stress on the individual balance sheet of these companies, the state governments have to support them for their operations, the agency said. The demand-supply mismatch has increased India’s dependence on import for coal supplies. India imported 171 million tonnes (mt) of coal valued at $16.41 billion in 2013-14 and 145 mt valued at $17.01 billion in the previous fiscal.

    “A halt in domestic production of coal would increase import dependence further,” India Ratings, which is part of the Fitch Group, said. In a situation where Coal India is not able to extract coal from captive coal mines of cancelled coal blocks, India’s dependence on imported coal would increase significantly. The coal import bill is likely to widen by $6.22 billion for 2015-16 exerting pressure on currency and affecting macroeconomic stability, India Ratings stated. Banking and financial institutions’ exposure to these coal blocks is pegged at around Rs. 2.5 lakh crore.

    “The banking sector is already under stress. Apart from commercial banks, Rural Electrification Corporation and Power Finance Corporation will also be impacted by the cancellation of coal blocks,” India Ratings said.

  • Lagarde backs more role for India at IMF

    Lagarde backs more role for India at IMF

    CAIRNS (TIP): International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde on Sunday backed a reform of the multilateral body, which will give more say to countries like India and China in running the agency.

    “International institutions have to mirror the state of the world and its changes,” the former French finance minister said, adding that at the Financial Stability Board, IMF has decided to give more representation to countries such as India.

    India and several other emerging market economies have for long demanded changes in voting rights of bodies like the IMF and the World Bank but developed countries such as the US have blocked any attempt. Largarde said the changes depend on a ratification by the US Congress.

    “The composition of our board and governance of IMF and its reform is predicated on US Congress ratification. We very much hope that this will happen. It is overdue by two years and we will do whatever to convince necessity for this reforms.”

  • GM recalls 221,558 sedans for fire risk

    GM recalls 221,558 sedans for fire risk

    DETROIT (TIP): General Motors is recalling 221,558 Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Impala sedans because the brake pads can stay partially engaged even when they’re not needed, increasing the risk of a fire.

    The recall involves Cadillacs from the 2013-2015 model years and Impalas from the 2014 and 2015 model years. There are 205,309 vehicles affected in the U.S.; the rest of the vehicles are in Canada and elsewhere.

    GM says the electronic parking brake arm that applies pressure to the back of the brake pads may not fully retract after use. If the brake pads stay partially engaged with the rotor, excessive brake heat may result in a fire.

  • INDIA HOME TO 100 BILLIONAIRES: FORBES

    INDIA HOME TO 100 BILLIONAIRES: FORBES

    Mukesh Ambani retains top slot with net worth of $23.6 bn

    SINGAPORE (TIP): For the first time, the 100 richest tycoons in India are all billionaires with Mukesh Ambani topping the league for the eighth consecutive year, according to Forbes. With a net worth of $23.6 billion, up $2.6 billion from last year, RIL chief Mukesh Ambani topped the list for the eighth consecutive year. He is followed by Dilip Shanghvi, who got richer this year by $4.1 billion. Shanghvi is the new No. 2, after he displaced steel baron Lakshmi Mittal ($15.8 billion), who slipped to the fifth place.

    Wipro’s Azim Premji moved up one notch to the number three position as his net wealth increased to $16.4 billion from $13.8 billion previously. Pallonji Mistry, patriarch of construction giant Shapoorji Pallonji Group which is the biggest shareholder in Tata Sons with a new worth of $15.9 billion, was placed in the fourth place.

    Forbes said “good days are here” for the India’s 100 richest, as the top 100 richest Indians are all billionaires with combined wealth of $346 billion, up more than a third from $259 billion in 2013.

    The biggest dollar gainer is ports magnate Gautam Adani, who jumped 11 spots to 11th rank in the list, adding nearly $4.5 billion to his wealth which reached $7.1 billion.

    Others in the top 10 include NRI businessmen Hinduja Brothers who were at the sixth position with a net worth of $13.3 billion, followed by Shiv Nadar (7th, $12.5 billion), Godrej family (8th, $11.6 billion), Kumar Birla (9th, $9.2 billion) and Sunil Mittal & family (10th, $7.8 billion).

  • GOVT PLANS TO CLOSE DOWN SIX PSUS, REVIVE FIVE

    GOVT PLANS TO CLOSE DOWN SIX PSUS, REVIVE FIVE

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The government on September 25 said it has begun the process of reviving five ailing PSUs and is working on one-time settlement involving voluntary retirement scheme entailing a cost of Rs 1,000 crore for employees of six state-run units not capable of revival.

    “The state-run units which have been identified by the government for revival include HMT Machine Tools, Heavy Engineering Corporation, NEPA, Nagaland Paper & Pulp Co; and Triveni Structurals,” heavy industries & public enterprises minister Anant Geete said.

    “Out of 11 sick PSUs, process for reviving five has started and these shall be revived. However, the remaining six units, which cannot be revived, we have decided on making a one-time settlement proposal of VRS for the employees of these units,” he added. “The six companies which cannot be revived are Hindustan Photo Films, HMT Bearings, HMT Watches, HMT Chinar Watches Ltd, Tungabhadra Steel Products, and Hindustan Cables. These six companies have employee strength of 3,603,” the minister said. Geete also informed that as per the recommendations of the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises , the government/holding companies have approved revival of 48 out of 58 central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) and closure of four out of six CPSEs. Geete said the government is working on a one-time settlement proposal for six terminally ill PSUs, to eliminate recurring expenditure.

    “Since last several years, we have been paying salaries to all the employees sick PSUs. We have spent Rs 3,000 crore till now on that. Instead of spending more thousand crores on that, it will be better that we spend once and for all. We are making a proposal for one-time settlement costing around Rs 1,000 crore for employees of 6 PSUs not capable of revival.”

  • SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB

    SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB

    CONTD FROM Vol 8 ISSUE 37 The Transcendent Lord is totally permeating and pervading everywhere; where would He come from, and where would He go? || 2 || One whose mind is filled with the Lord, is a person of meditation, penance, self-restraint and spiritual wisdom, and a knower of reality. The Gurmukh obtains the jewel of the Naam; his efforts come to perfect fruition. || 3 || All his struggles, sufferings and pains are dispelled, and the noose of death is cut away from him. Says Nanak, God has extended His Mercy, and so his mind and body blossom forth. || 4 || 12 || 23 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: God is the Doer, the Cause of causes, the Great Giver; God is the Supreme Lord and Master. The Merciful Lord created all beings; God is the Innerknower, the Searcher of hearts. || 1 || My Guru is Himself my friend and support. I am in celestial peace, bliss, joy, pleasure and wondrous glory. || Pause || Seeking the Sanctuary of the Guru, my fears have been dispelled, and I am accepted in the Court of the True Lord. Singing His Glorious Praises, and worshipping in adoration the Name of the Lord, I have reached my destination. || 2 || Everyone applauds and congratulates me; the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, is dear to me. I am forever a sacrifice to my God, who has totally protected and preserved my honor. || 3 || They are saved, who receive the Blessed Vision of His Darshan; they listen to the spiritual dialogue of the Naam. Nanak’s God has become Merciful to him; he has arrived home in ecstasy. || 4 || 13 || 24 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: In God’s Sanctuary, all fears depart, suffering disappears, and peace is obtained. When the Supreme Lord God and Master becomes merciful, we meditate on the Perfect True Guru. || 1 || O Dear God, You are my Lord Master and Great Giver. By Your Mercy, O God, Merciful to the meek, imbue me with Your Love, that I might sing Your Glorious Praises. || Pause || The True Guru has implanted the treasure of the Naam within me, and all my anxieties have been dispelled. By His Mercy, He has made me His own, and the imperishable Lord has come to dwell within my mind. || 2 || No misfortune afflicts one who is protected by the True Guru. The Lotus Feet of God come to abide within his heart, and he savors the sublime essence of the Lord’s Ambrosial Nectar. || 3 || So, as a servant, serve your God, who fulfills your mind’s desires. Slave Nanak is a sacrifice to the Perfect Lord, who has protected and preserved his honor. || 4 || 14 || 25 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: Infatuated with the darkness of emotional attachment to Maya, he does not know the Lord, the Great Giver. The Lord created his body and fashioned his soul, but he claims that his power is his own. || 1 || O foolish mind, God, your Lord and Master is watching over you. Whatever you do, He knows; nothing can remain concealed from Him. || Pause || You are intoxicated with the tastes of the tongue, with greed and pride; countless sins spring from these. You wandered in pain through countless incarnations, weighed down by the chains of egotism. || 2 || Behind closed doors, hidden by many screens, the man takes his pleasure with another man’s wife.When Chitr and Gupt, the celestial accountants of the conscious and subconscious, call for your account, who will screen you then? || 3 || O Perfect Lord, Merciful to the meek, Destroyer of pain, without You, I have no shelter at all. Please, lift me up out of the world-ocean; O God, I have come to Your Sanctuary. || 4 || 15 || 26 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: The Supreme Lord God has become my helper and friend; His sermon and the Kirtan of His Praises have brought me peace. Chant the Word of the Perfect Guru’s Bani, and be ever in bliss, O mortal. || 1 || Remember the True Lord in meditation, O Siblings of Destiny. In the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, eternal peace is obtained, and the Lord is never forgotten. || Pause || Your Name, O Transcendent Lord, is Ambrosial Nectar; whoever meditates on it, lives. One who is blessed with God’s Grace – that humble servant becomes immaculate and pure. || 2 || Obstacles are removed, and all pains are eliminated; my mind is attached to the Guru’s feet. Singing the Glorious Praises of the immovable and imperishable Lord, one remains awake to the Lord’s Love, day and night. || 3 || He obtains the fruits of his mind’s desires, listening to the comforting sermon of the Lord. In the beginning, in the middle, and in the end, God is Nanak’s best friend. || 4 || 16 || 27 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL, PANCH-PADAS: May my emotional attachment, my sense of mine and yours, and my self-conceit be dispelled. || 1 || O Saints, show me such a way, by which my egotism and pride might be eliminated. || 1 || Pause || I see the Supreme Lord God in all beings, and I am the dust of all. || 2 || I see God always with me, and the wall of doubt has been shattered. || 3 || The medicine of the Naam, and the Immaculate Water of Ambrosial Nectar, are obtained through the Guru’s Gate. || 4 || Says Nanak, one who has such pre-ordained destiny inscribed upon his forehead, meets with the Guru, and his diseases are cured. || 5 || 17 || 28 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL, SECOND HOUSE, DU-PADAS: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: Fire is contained in all firewood, and butter is contained in all milk. God’s Light is contained in the high and the low; the Lord is in the hearts of all beings. || 1 || O Saints, He is pervading and permeating each and every heart. The Perfect Lord is completely permeating everyone, everywhere; He is diffused in the water and the land. || 1 || Pause || Nanak sings the Praises of the Lord, the treasure of excellence; the True Guru has dispelled his doubt. The Lord is pervading everywhere, permeating all, and yet, He is unattached from all. || 2 || 1 || 29 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: Meditating on Him, one is in ecstasy; the pains of birth and death and fear are removed. The four cardinal blessings, and the nine treasures are received; you shall never feel hunger or thirst again. || 1 || Chanting His Name, you shall be at peace.With each and every breath, meditate on the Lord and Master, O my soul, with mind, body and mouth. || 1 || Pause || You shall find peace, and your mind shall be soothed and cooled; the fire of desire shall not burn within you. The Guru has revealed God to Nanak, in the three worlds, in the water, the earth and the woods. || 2 || 2 || 30 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: Sexual desire, anger, greed, falsehood and slander – please, save me from these, O Lord. Please eradicate these from within me, and call me to come close to You. || 1 || You alone teach me Your Ways. With the Lord’s humble servants, I sing His Praises. || 1 || Pause || May I never forget the Lord within my heart; please, instill such understanding within my mind. By great good fortune, servant Nanak has met with the Perfect Guru, and now, he will not go anywhere else. || 2 || 3 || 31 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: Meditating in remembrance on Him, all things are obtained, and one’s efforts shall not be in vain. Forsaking God, why do you attach yourself to another? He is contained in everything. || 1 || O Saints, meditate in remembrance on the World-Lord, Har, Har. Joining the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, meditate on the Naam, the Name of the Lord; your efforts shall be rewarded. || 1 || Pause || He ever preserves and cherishes His servant; with Love, He hugs him close. Says Nanak, forgetting You, O God, how can the world find life? || 2 || 4 || 32 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: He is imperishable, the Giver of all beings; meditating on Him, all filth is removed. He is the treasure of excellence, the object of His devotees, but rare are those who find Him. || 1 || O my mind, meditate on the Guru, and God, the Cherisher of the world. Seeking His Sanctuary, one finds peace, and he shall not suffer in pain again. || 1 || Pause || By great good fortune, one obtains the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. Meeting them, evil-mindedness is eliminated. Slave Nanak yearns for the dust of the feet of those, who have woven the Lord’s Name into their hearts. || 2 || 5 || 33 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: He dispels the pains of countless incarnations, and lends support to the dry and shrivelled mind. Beholding the Blessed Vision of His Darshan, one is enraptured, contemplating the Name of the Lord. || 1 || My physician is the Guru, the Lord of the Universe. He places the medicine of the Naam into my mouth, and cuts away the noose of Death. || 1 || Pause || He is the all-powerful, Perfect Lord, the Architect of Destiny; He Himself is the Doer of deeds. The Lord Himself saves His slave; Nanak takes the Support of the Naam. || 2 || 6 || 34 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: Only You know the state of my innermost self; You alone can judge me. Please forgive me, O Lord God Master; I have committed thousands of sins and mistakes. || 1 || O my Dear Lord God Master, You are always near me. O Lord, please bless Your disciple with the shelter of Your feet. || 1 || Pause || Infinite and endless is my Lord and Master; He is lofty, virtuous and profoundly deep. Cutting away the noose of death, the Lord has made Nanak His slave, and now, what does he owe to anyone else? || 2 || 7 || 35 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: The Guru, the Lord of the Universe, became merciful to me, and I obtained all of my mind’s desires. I have become stable and steady, touching the Lord’s Feet, and singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord of the Universe. || 1 || It is a good time, a perfectly auspicious time. I am in celestial peace, tranquility and ecstasy, chanting the Naam, the Name of the Lord; the unstruck melody of the sound current vibrates and resounds. || 1 || Pause || Meeting with my Beloved Lord and Master, my home has become a mansion filled with happiness. Servant Nanak has attained the treasure of the Lord’s Name; all his desires have been fulfilled. || 2 || 8 || 36 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: The Guru’s feet abide within my heart; God has blessed me with good fortune. The Perfect Transcendent Lord became merciful to me, and I found the treasure of the Naam within my mind. || 1 || My Guru is my Saving Grace, my only best friend. Over and over again, He blesses me with double, even four-fold, greatness. || 1 || Pause || God saves all beings and creatures, giving them the Blessed Vision of His Darshan.Wondrous is the glorious greatness of the Perfect Guru; Nanak is forever a sacrifice to Him. || 2 || 9 || 37 || SORAT’H, FIFTH MEHL: I gather in and collect the immaculate wealth of the Naam; this commodity is inaccessible and incomparable. Revel in it, delight in it, be happy and enjoy peace, and live long, O Sikhs and brethren. || 1 || I have the support of the Lotus Feet of the Lord. By the Grace of the Saints, I have found the boat of Truth; embarking on it, I sail across the ocean of poison. || 1 || Pause || The perfect, imperishable Lord has become merciful; He Himself has taken care of me. Beholding, beholding His Vision, Nanak has blossomed forth in ecstasy. O Nanak, He is beyond estimation.

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  • charges related to drug safety. Merck, Sun in licence pact for skin drug

    charges related to drug safety. Merck, Sun in licence pact for skin drug

    MUMBAI (TIP): US-based Merck and Sun Pharma have entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement for Merck’s dermatology molecule, tildrakizumab, which is under phase 3 registration trials. Tildrakizumab is being developed for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis, a skin ailment. Under the agreement, Sun Pharma will acquire worldwide rights to tildrakizumab from Merck for an upfront payment of $80 million. Merck will continue all clinical development and regulatory activities, which will be funded by Sun Pharma. Upon approval, Sun Pharma will be responsible for regulatory activities, including subsequent submissions, pharmacovigilance, post approval studies, manufacturing and commercialization of the product.

  • Wells Fargo Celebrates Diwali with the Tri-State Asian Indian Community at Event in Times Square

    Wells Fargo Celebrates Diwali with the Tri-State Asian Indian Community at Event in Times Square

    NEW YORK (TIP): For the second year, Wells Fargo is helping to celebrate Diwali through the event at Times Square. The event is a day-long celebration of performances, celebrity appearances and ethnic Indian food. Wells Fargo will help kick off the festivities by encouraging attendees and followers of the event to help light the ceremonial diya.

    By sharing the hashtag #DiwaliSmiles prior to the event on social media, people onsite and following online can help collectively raise the digital diya’s flame until it reaches the top, and kick off a star-studded Bollywood concert and event. This year, Wells Fargo is teaming up with Operation Smile, an international nonprofit organization, to provide free surgeries for children in India born with palate and lip deformities.


    15
    Wells Fargo’s Rahul Baig being interviewed by Showbiz India

    From Sept. 15 to Oct. 26, Wells Fargo will donate $3 to Operation Smile for every Wells FargoExpressSend® money transfer to India from an eligible account.* At approximately $240 per surgery, the collaboration between Wells Fargo is expected to help fund hundreds of lifechanging surgeries for children and young adults in India. *Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S states and D.C. only. Wells Fargo will make a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000 donation.

    WHO: ? Atul Kamra, Senior Managing Director and Head of Advice, Wells Fargo Advisors ? Ajit Varma, Vice President for Programs in Asia – India, Operation Smile ? Wells Fargo Tri-state team members and Asian Connection members ? Community members

    WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014, 4:30 p.m. EST Media check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. – RSVP required due to stage/VIP area restrictions. One-on-one interviews and photo opportunities will be made available on site. On-site contact – Jitin Hingorani, (512) 773-6679

    WHERE: Corner of 42nd and Broadway, Times Square. In front of the main stage

    About Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.6 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 locations, 12,500 ATMs, and the internet (wellsfargo.com), and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy.

    With approximately 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 29 on Fortune’s 2014 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In 2013, the Company invested $275.5 million in grants to 18,500 nonprofits, and team members contributed more than 1.69 million volunteer hours around the country. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives and stories are also available at blogs.wellsfargo.com and atwellsfargo.com/stories.

  • Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor to address a gathering in New York on September 25

    Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor to address a gathering in New York on September 25

    Dr. Shashi Tharoor, a two-time Member of Indian Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, and former Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Human Resource Development, will address a gathering on Thursday, September 25 at 6.30 PM in New York City, at Utsav Restaurant, 1185 Avenue of Americas, 46th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues), NY 10036.Mr. Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations is a prolific writer who has written 14 books, including, most recent, Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century

  • NARULA APPOINTED

    NARULA APPOINTED

    Mr. Gurdip Singh Narula, a prominent Sikh community leader has been appointed a Democratic District Leader-at -Large from the Sikh Community

  • Raising ambition for climate action, women lead the way

    Raising ambition for climate action, women lead the way

    Focus will be on women’s participation and partnerships that can catalyze climate justice

    NEW YORK (TIP) : On the eve of the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit, more than 130 women leaders will gather in New York to demonstrate their commitment to ambitious and gender-sensitive climate action. As world leaders gather in New York to focus on climate change, the particular needs and responses of women, in terms of climate policy, will be highlighted at an event hosted by UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Mary Robinson, founder of the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, titled “Leaders’ Forum on Women Leading the Way: Raising Ambition for Climate Action”.

    Traveling from 54 nations, and urging concrete action, women leaders representing grass-roots and indigenous, young women and academics will sit down with former Heads of State and Government, policymakers, heads of civil society, international and private sector organizations to discuss robust climate action that is good for people and good for the planet. President of Chile and founding Executive Director of UN Women Michelle Bachelet will deliver the keynote address at the event which will be attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Nadine Heredia de Humala, First Lady of Peru; Graça Machel, member of The Elders; and seven former Heads of State or Government.

  • INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MODI’S MADISON SQUARE GARDEN EVENT SOLD OUT

    INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MODI’S MADISON SQUARE GARDEN EVENT SOLD OUT

    Those who could not get one of the 18,000 free tickets, will be able to watch Modi in Times Square or live streaming at watch parties around the country

    NEW YORK (TIP): A community reception at Madison Square Garden for India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 28 is completely sold out, announced the host, the Indian American Community Foundation (IACF). To accommodate the thousands of people who were not lucky enough to get one of the 18,000 free tickets, IACF said that the event would also be broadcast live in Times Square.

    Facing continued requests for tickets, the Foundation and its Welcoming Partners – – a collective comprised of hundreds of American community organizations –moved rapidly , September 15, to announce that Mr. Modi’s speech will be broadcast with real time subtitles, to one of the larger screens in Times Square where members of the community are welcome to gather. “The incredible demand to be a part of Indian American history in greeting Prime Minister Modi has pushed us to find more ways to let the community participate” said Anand Shah, the spokesperson for IACF.

    “And that is why we decided to broadcast the event in Times Square, stream it online at www.pmvisit.org, and provide English subtitles and audio translation — ensuring that as many people as possible could be part of what promises to be one of the largest ever gatherings to hear a foreign leader speak on American soil.” The IACF is also helping student groups and community organizers arrange “viewing parties” in their local areas.

    Organizers plan to send tickets to community partner organizations by Friday, September 19 and those organizations will distribute them to their local members before the event on September 28th. With doors set to open on 9:00 a.m., Shah urged ticket holders to arrive early to pass through the significant security arrangements expected at Madison Square Garden. Attendees are also urged to regularly check http://www.pmvisit.org for updated information leading up to the event.

    A spectacular laser light show, holograms of India’s historical luminaries, and live folk dances will precede Mr. Modi’s speech, Shah said. Several members of the U.S. Congress, state Governors, and city leaders are confirmed to attend the event. “Prime Minister Modi taking the stage along with dozens of America’s most important political leaders in front of tens of thousands of cheering supporters will demonstrate the potential of a relationship across borders,” added Shah.

    “The time has come for the world’s most significant democracies – India and America – to join together on a platform of mutual respect and shared values.” Indian American Community Foundation (IACF) which has put together the community reception, is a not-for-profit organization which has been established to promote cooperation between the United States and India. Its goal is to further advance the nations’ shared values of democracy, inclusive economic development, and mutual respect. IACF is working with 400 other Indian organizations to organize the speaking engagement at Madison Square Garden on September 28, 2014.

  • Cox & Kings, the Visa Outsourcing Agency discusses community concerns with GOPIO officials

    Cox & Kings, the Visa Outsourcing Agency discusses community concerns with GOPIO officials

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Under pressure of public criticism of inefficient services being provided by the Visa Outsourcing Agency, Cox & Kings Ltd., its worried officials reached out to GOPIO officials to explain their position. There has been wide criticism of services being provided by Cox & Kings Ltd. after they took over from the earlier agency, BLS International.

    At an earlier GOPIO-CT community interaction meeting in July with Indian Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay who was accompanied by his fellow Consuls Mr. Ajay Purswani (Passport/Visa) and Mr. Dhirendra Singh (OCI/PIO and Community Affairs), many issues and problems were brought to their attention. These included complaints with previous outsourcing agency BLS International and the new agency Cox and Kings. One main complaint was, Cox and Kings can’t be reached over the phone and their tracking system did not work well.

    Other complaints included the outsourcing agencies losing passports, not sending the documents back by mail or Fedex even though it was paid for, unusual waiting time at their offices, waiting in the street for hours to get into the office, discourteous security, etc. People in attendance requested the consuls to streamline these processes at Cox and Kings. Cox and Kings Ltd. held meetings with GOPIO officials in New York and Washington DC.

    The officials present at the New York meeting on September 13th included its Associate VP for Corporate Communications Thomas Thottathil from Mumbai, US Operations head John Nair and New York Regional Head Sumit Sharma. GOPIO was represented by its Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO-CT Immediate Past President Shailesh Naik, GOPIO-CT Vice President Varghese Ninan, GOPIO-CT Treasurer Viresh Sharma and GOPIO Founding Life Member Ramesh Kalicharan. The discussions were cordial and Cox and Kings agreed with GOPIO officials that there were problems after the take over from BLS because of the backlog of over 18,000 passports in New York alone and similar numbers in other centers.

    They have sorted out many of the issues, changed security guards and now want to work with the community to remedy these problems. They said that the long lines are no more there and that Cox and Kings have streamlined many of the issues. Cox & Kings delegation also met GOPIOMetro Washington Chapter officials Dr. Zafar Iqbal (President), Mr. Ajay Singh (Vice-President), Board Members Dr. Satish Mishra and Mr. Anand Poojary, and Dr. Renuka Misra, International Coordinator, GOPIO on September 6th. Issues raised included apathy towards customers, untraceable documents, customer unfriendly website, non-responsive telephone service, and most importantly illinformed staff.

    The delegation members presented their views acknowledging community’s grievances and informed us that their company had a vast experience and their continued business for over 250 years was basically due to customers’ satisfaction. According to them, they inherited the responsibilities from the previous vendor in a disarrayed condition.

    In the short period of 3-4 months, most of the backlog has been cleaned up and major complaints have been rectified. They also promised to implement the suggestions given by GOPIO for extended hours and opening of offices on weekends, hiring more professionals, training of staff, answering telephone calls, making their website more friendly to applicants, and arranging town hall type meetings with the community. GOPIO will monitor services provided by Cox and Kings and will work with them to sort out any remaining issues. GOPIO has appointed its Associate Secretary Jaswant Mody to receive any complaints from the community at jmody@yahoo.com with a copy to gopio@optonline.net

  • OBAMA NOMINATES INDIAN AMERICAN RICHARD RAHUL VERMA AS NEXT US AMBASSADOR TO INDIA

    OBAMA NOMINATES INDIAN AMERICAN RICHARD RAHUL VERMA AS NEXT US AMBASSADOR TO INDIA

    WASHINGTON (TIP): In what appears to be history in the making, President Barack Obama on Thursday, September 18, nominated an Indian American to be the next US ambassador to India. When Richard (Rich) Rahul Verma takes over as US ambassador to India, he will be the first ever Indian American to hold this position. Richard Rahul Verma is a former state department official.

    Most recently, he served in the Obama Administration as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs. In that capacity, he was Secretary of State Clinton’s principal advisor on congressional affairs and successfully led the department through a number of key budget and policyrelated battles. He played a lead role in securing the Senate’s ratification of the New START Treaty with Russia, guided nearly 200 Presidential nominees through the Senate confirmation process, and oversaw and managed the Administration’s response to several major congressional investigations.

    He was also the lead U.S. Administration negotiator handling the development and passage of the most recent set of comprehensive sanctions against Iran. Earlier in his career, Mr. Verma served as Senior National Security Advisor to Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid. He shaped many consequential legislative initiatives in the post- 9/11 era involving counterterrorism, homeland security, and intelligence reform matters. Mr. Verma has served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps.

    His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal. He also worked in the U.S. House of Representatives for the late Congressman John P. Murtha and served as a Country Director for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Eastern Europe. Mr. Verma is also a Senior Counselor at the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves on the boards of the National Democratic Institute and Human Rights First, and is a Senior National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress.

    He has served on the National Academy of Sciences Panel on Critical Infrastructure Protection and the Law, and was appointed to the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism. Mr. Verma holds degrees from the Georgetown University Law Center, American University’s Washington College of Law, and Lehigh University.

    At present, Richard Verma serves as Senior Counselor to ASG and supports the firm’s global trade, regulatory, and policy capabilities. Mr. Verma draws on his most recent experience in the Obama Administration, and previously in the private sector, to help clients succeed in a range of legal and policy issues in foreign jurisdictions. He also advises on U.S. trade sanctions, export controls, and on responses to government investigations and crisis situations. He has a particular expertise in South Asia. It may be recalled that the previous US ambassador to US, Nancy Powell, left in less than pleasant circumstances, having fallen foul of the Indian government during the Khobragade controversy.

    With Verma’s appointment as ambassador in Delhi, US state department’s South Asia desk, which oversees relations with India, will have a distinctly Indian feel to it. Nisha Biswal, an Indian-American from Gujarat, heads the desk. And Atul Keshap, also of Indian descent, who served at the US embassy in Delhi, is one of her assistant deputy secretaries. Welcoming the nomination of Richard (Rich) Verma, Congressman Crowley, who is Vice Chair of Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement. “With over two decades of senior foreign policy experience, Rich Verma is a skilled and accomplished professional who will make an excellent ambassador to India. From his time serving in the Air Force to high-ranking positions in government, Rich brings with him a wealth of experience.

    I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rich for many years and I deeply value his expertise and judgment. He is committed to building the U.S.-India relationship, has access to the highest levels of the White House, and is exactly who we need at the helm as we look to further strengthen U.S.-India relations. I look forward to continuing to work with him.” A prominent New York attorney Ravi Batra lauded the nomination of Richard Verma as the next US ambassador to India. He said, in a statement sent to The Indian Panorama: “President Obama’s nomination of Richard Rahul Verma as our Ambassador to India is an act of historic joy, and proof that Indian-Americans are trusted to protect vital American interests abroad in an unconflicted manner.

    To paraphrase Neil Armstrong, one small step for Ambassador Verma, and a giant leap for bilateral intimate ties between United States and India. It seems United States is paying a handsome royalty for the use of Indian Tea at the 1773 Boston Tea Party that started the American Revolution.”

  • Chinese troops begin withdrawing from Indian territory

    Chinese troops begin withdrawing from Indian territory

    LEH/NEW DELHI (TIP): After heightened tension in Chumar area in Northeast Ladakh for four days, Chinese troops tonight began withdrawing from the Indian territory, official sources said. Chinese troops started retreating into their territory from 9:45 PM, the sources said, adding that Indian army which was present also in large number in the area also started simultaneously reducing their presence in the area, about 300 km east of Leh.

    The sources said that a vigil was still being maintained as the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had camped just across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, the stand-off in Demchok where Chinese nomads — Rebos — had pitched their tents continued for the 12th day today. The incursion in this area is nearly 500 metres deep into Indian territory, the sources said. The Chinese nomads actively helped by the PLA have been protesting against an irrigation canal being built for the local villagers.

    The standoff in Demchok and Chumar had cast a shadow on summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The sources said that the Chinese side pushed in more troops before the break of dawn with more banners asking the Indian Army to leave the area. The number of Chinese troops had shot up to 600. Chinese helicopters were seen hovering at least thrice during the day air dropping food packets for its troops, they said.

    The Chinese side had been constructing a road on their side of LAC but on Sunday, its workers entered into Indian side to carry on the construction. This was objected by the Indian side as Chinese workers were making assertions that they have instructions to build a road upto Tible, five kilometres deep into Indian territory, the sources said. The Indian army asked the Chinese workers to leave as otherwise they would face prosecution under Indian laws of entering into the country illegally. However, during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, nearly 100 Indian soldiers were reported to have been encircled by 300 Chinese PLA men after which a face-off started.

  • Rajnath to Koirala: Border areas now ISI, jihadi hubs

    Rajnath to Koirala: Border areas now ISI, jihadi hubs

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Home minister Rajnath Singh on September 18 raised the issue of growing radicalization among Muslims in Nepal settled near Indo-Nepal border with Nepal PM Sushil Koirala and Home Minister Bam Dev Gautam. Certain pockets in these areas are learnt to have become fishing pools for Pakistan’s ISI and is suspected of being used against India. Singh is on a visit to Kathmandu for SAARC summit in Nepal. An official statement released by his office said, “The Indian HM (home minister) expressed his concern on the growth of religious fundamentalism in the border areas.” Intelligence agencies have been warning for the past few years that a string of madrasas coupled with large-scale settling of Muslims has been systematically taking place in Nepal along its border with India. These colonies, says security establishment sources, are being tapped by ISI fopr anti-India activities.

  • BJP GIVES ULTIMATUM TO SHIV SENA OVER SEAT-SHARING

    BJP GIVES ULTIMATUM TO SHIV SENA OVER SEAT-SHARING

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Setting itself on a confrontation path with its oldest ally, BJP on September 18 gave Shiv Sena an ultimatum to agree on a seat-sharing formula for the coming assembly elections or face a break-up of the alliance. Having jacked up its demand for contesting 135 of the 288 seats, which has been rejected by Shiv Sena, senior BJP leaders have communicated to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to decide by this evening whether his party was willing to conform to a “mutual and respectable” seat-sharing formula.

    The BJP’s ultimatum comes against the backdrop of party president Amit Shah’s tough talk this morning in Kolhapur in Maharashtra that there will be no compromise at the cost of selfrespect. Top BJP sources said that the party was upset that Shiv Sena, an ally of 25 years, has not given any response to the proposal sent by it on the higher number of seats it wanted to contest in the coming elections. In the 2009 elections, the BJP had contested 119 and the Sena 169 seats. However, this time the alliance “Mahayuti” has been broad based with the inclusion of four more parties –RPI (Athawle), Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, Swabhimani Shetkari Paksha and Loksangram.

    The BJP sources said the party was awaiting a reply from Uddhav Thackeray and decided to make clear its position because time was running out.The party was particularly peeved that Thackeray has not responded to or was not in communication with the BJP leadership ever since the demand for 135 seats was put forth to him. In fact, without responding to BJP’s demand directly, he went public earlier this week on rejecting it. They also said that they were keen on an alliance but the party cannot wait endlessly. A decision has to be taken as a strategy has to be worked out on the basis of the seat sharing formula of the alliance, they said.

  • Kashmir flood tragedy a manmade disaster, says BNHS chief

    Kashmir flood tragedy a manmade disaster, says BNHS chief

    SHIMLA (TIP): The recent tragedy in Kashmir valley is being increasingly looked at as a manmade disaster, aggravated by reckless “developmental” activities with no regard for nature conservation. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) India’s studies in the valley over the years reveal that there has been a severe loss of wetland habitat for various commercial activities.

    BNHS has termed recent floods as an “ecological disaster” that highlights the urgency to enact Wetland (Conservation) Act, on the pattern of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. It is obvious from field studies that there has been massive loss of wetlands in Kashmir valley over the years. For instance, the famed Dal Lake in Srinagar has seen numerous reclamations all along its periphery in the marshy areas. This has drastically reduced the lake area to just about 1,200 hectares, which is almost half of its earlier spread, said a report from BNHS.

    The vast expanse of Wular Lake and associated marshes — an Important Bird Area (IBA) – is another case in point. Once spread across 20,200 hectares, it now remains restricted to a mere 2,400 hectares. In the last 30 years, nearly 50% of wetlands in Kashmir valley have been encroached upon or severely damaged, it said. Commenting on the recent floods, Dr Asad Rahmani, director, BNHS, said, “This can be termed as an ecological disaster. The disastrous damage caused to life and property could have been minimized if the large number of wetlands, that once existed in the valley, had been preserved. Wetlands act as a sponge that retains excess water. Wular Lake is a classical example”.

    Even the British and former Maharajas of Kashmir used to consider Wular as a buffer for the floods, where excess water can be absorbed. Rahmani said that wrong policies on the part of successive governments in the state have contributed to the wetland loss. “For example, encroachment upon shallow portions of the wetland by the forest department for plantation of willow trees has significantly reduced the size of Wular Lake over the years,” he said. Kashmir valley has one narrow opening towards the west for water from catchment areas to get drained down the Jhelum river.

    From all other sides, it is encircled by high mountains, he said. During the reign of Maharajas of Kashmir, a well functioning water drainage system that was synchronous with the natural topography of the region was in place, Rahmani said. The same lay neglected in the recent decades. The myriad lakes and wetlands of the valley, which acted as sponge, were also well preserved in the past. Considering the importance of wetlands, not just in Jammu and Kashmir, but across India, Rahmani recommends the passing of a Wetland (Conservation) Act on the lines of Forest (Conservation) Act at the earliest.

    “Protection of wetlands will not only help in flood control, but will also help in recharging ground water levels across the country and thus ensure better food security by way of increased water availability. Although the Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority exists at present, it has been proving ineffective in saving the wetlands,” Rahmani added. He said it is also important not to classify wetlands as wastelands, as wetlands play an important biological, cultural, economical, aesthetic and spiritual role.

  • NGO refuses to disclose whistleblower’s identity

    NGO refuses to disclose whistleblower’s identity

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), an NGO seeking rec-u-sal of CBI chief Ranjit Sinha from the 2G scam probe, on September 18 told the Supreme Court that it was not in a posit-i-on to reveal the whistleblower’s identity in view of “great risk” to the life of the informant. The Supreme Court had directed NGO’s counsel Prashanth Bhushan to reveal the identity of the whistleblower in a sealed envelope.

    Any disclosure would set a bad precedent and deter sources in other cases, the NGO, which filed a petition leading to cancellation of 122 2G licences in 2011, said. In the past, the court did not insist on sources of information in cases like the Jain-Hawala diaries and corporate lobbyist Niira Radia tapes case. On September 15, the apex court found the application filed by Bhushan not in conformity with the Supreme Court rules.

    The apex court asked Bhushan to name the sources who provided him information relating to copy of visitors’ diary of Sinha’s residence and file notings which shows the investigating agency’s chief colluding with the accused. The NGO’s refusal to disclose the name of the whistleblower has added a new twist to the controversy. The apex court is now left with the issue of determining the maintainability of the application filed on September 2 before going into the merits of the charges.

    Sinha had earlier questioned the bona fide of the sources. CPIL members, senior advocates Anil Divan, Colin Gonsalves, Shanti Bhushan, Prashanth Bhushan, Kamal Jaswal (former Union secret-ary) and Kamini Jaiswal, passed a resolution at a meeting on Wednesday against revealing the identity of the source. “Several informants and activists have lost their lives for complaining against corruption.

    People like Satyendra Dube, S Manjunath, Amit Jethwa and Shehla Masood were murdered for exposing corruption after their identity became public. Several others and their families had to face harassment of all kinds. Therefore, the CPIL cannot tell its counsel to disclose the source and thus expose the source to great risk, especially considering the seriousness of the issue and the entities involved,” it said.